John Foxx And The Maths
Encyclopedia
John Foxx And The Maths is a musical project featuring popular electronic music pioneers John Foxx
and Benge. The duo were initially a studio based project working from Benge's studio in Shoreditch
, London but have also engaged in live work.
They specialise in the use of analogue synthesisers and drum machines and have released two albums, Interplay and The Shape of Things, both in 2011.
An initial single Destination / September Town was released in December 2009 as download only from Townsend Records and later via i-tunes.
The duo continued to work in Benge's studio in Shoreditch
throughout 2010 and some new tracks were previewed at the Short Circuit electronic music festival held at The Roundhouse
in London on 5 June 2010.
calling it "one of the finest electronic records you will hear in 2011.".
Another live event featuring John Foxx And The Maths originally scheduled for December 2010 was held in April 2011. Back to the Phuture was billed as a special electronic music event – featuring live sets from John Foxx
, Gary Numan
, Mirrors and Motor
– plus a DJ set by Mute Records
founder Daniel Miller.
The duo of Foxx and Benge continued to work in the studio after the release of Interplay.
A cover version of the Pink Floyd
track "Have a Cigar
" was recorded for a tribute CD issued by Mojo
magazine with their October 2011 issue. It was announced shortly afterwards that the version on the CD was not the completed version and a free download of the finished version was offered via the Mojo website
as well as tracks from Foxx's career with Ultravox
and from his seminal electronic music album Metamatic
.
The group was augmented by Serafina Steer
on keyboards and bass and Hannah Peel on keyboards and violin.
On 28 October 2011 it was announced that the final UK date in Holmfirth
and the performance at the Sinners Day Festival in Belgium
had to be cancelled as Foxx had suffered a fall and minor accident.
was also announced prior to the tour and was initially only on available for purchase at tour venues.
The Shape of Things was issued as limited edition special package, and described as being "a lot rougher around the edges and more experimental than “Interplay” – with songs and stark, minimal sketches..mixed in with some instrumental interludes". The release was preceded by a preview of the track Talk on [YouTube] in September 2011.
The album also comprises a second disc of remixes of selected Interplay
tracks, and a brand new track Where You End And I Begin featuring American producer/ musician/ remixer and score composer Tara Busch who had been photographed and filmed working in Benge's studio, and who supported The Maths on some of their live shows. The track was previewed on Soundcloud
before the official release.
When released via Townsend Records on 31 October 2011 the album was described as "Though not overtly auto-biographical, there is a sense of looking back over a life and exploring feelings of loss over opportunities and lovers missed, and possible futures that will remain unlived."
1. Shatterproof
2. Catwalk
3. Evergreen
4. Watching A Building On Fire (feat. Mira Aroyo from Ladytron
)
5. Interplay
6. Summerland
7. The Running Man
8. A Falling Star
9. Destination
10. The Good Shadow
Label : Metamatic Records
Catalogue Number : META28CD
Tour Edition, as above plus:
11. September Town - Final Master
12. Vapour Trails - Final Master
The Shape Of Things (October 2011)
Disc One
1. Spirus
2. Rear-View Mirror
3. Talk
4. Psytron
5. September Town
6. Unrecognised
7. Modreno
8. Falling Away
9. Invisible Ray
10. Vapour Trails
11. Buddwing
12. Tides
13. Astoria
14. The Shadow Of His Former Self
Disc Two
1. Evergreen (Radio Mix)
2. Shatterproof (Wrangler Mix)
3. Where You End And I Begin (featuring Tara Busch)
4. Summerland (Belbury Poly Mix)
5. The Good Shadow (Tim ‘Love’ Lee Mix)
6. Watching A Building On Fire (Grayed Out Mix)
7. Interplay (Grayed Out Mix)
8. Evergreen (Xeno & Oaklander Mix)
Label : Metamatic Records
Catalogue Number : META29CD
Evergreen (radio edit) (September 2011) - digital download only
A Falling Star - Gazelle Twin remix (October 2011)
- limited edition single track CD, signed by John Foxx included in tour VIP package
- Pink Floyd cover version for Mojo
magazine, October 2011
John Foxx
John Foxx is an English singer, artist, photographer and teacher. He was the original lead singer of the band Ultravox before being replaced by Midge Ure, when he left to embark on a solo career in 1979...
and Benge. The duo were initially a studio based project working from Benge's studio in Shoreditch
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is an area of London within the London Borough of Hackney in England. It is a built-up part of the inner city immediately to the north of the City of London, located east-northeast of Charing Cross.-Etymology:...
, London but have also engaged in live work.
They specialise in the use of analogue synthesisers and drum machines and have released two albums, Interplay and The Shape of Things, both in 2011.
Band history
In December 2009 the official John Foxx website Metamatic announced Foxx's new musical project. Benge had already broken the news on his own blog in November calling The Maths "a new album project".An initial single Destination / September Town was released in December 2009 as download only from Townsend Records and later via i-tunes.
The duo continued to work in Benge's studio in Shoreditch
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is an area of London within the London Borough of Hackney in England. It is a built-up part of the inner city immediately to the north of the City of London, located east-northeast of Charing Cross.-Etymology:...
throughout 2010 and some new tracks were previewed at the Short Circuit electronic music festival held at The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a Grade II* listed former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, London, England, which has been converted into a performing arts and concert venue. It was originally built in 1847 as a roundhouse , a circular building containing a railway turntable, but was only used for railway...
in London on 5 June 2010.
Interplay
A new album entitled Interplay was announced in January 2011 and released on March 21. The official website described the album as "moody and atmospheric, but also full of songs that are actually more ”pop” than avant garde, Interplay pulls various strands of electronic music together – from early electro to 70s Krautrock, even flashes of Cabaret Voltaire and Foxx’s first band, Ultravox!". The album gained much critical acclaim with The QuietusThe Quietus
The Quietus is a British online rock music and pop culture magazine, focusing on arts news, reviews, and features. The site is an editorially independent publication led by John Doran and a group of freelance journalists and critics, some of whom have worked for other media outlets...
calling it "one of the finest electronic records you will hear in 2011.".
Another live event featuring John Foxx And The Maths originally scheduled for December 2010 was held in April 2011. Back to the Phuture was billed as a special electronic music event – featuring live sets from John Foxx
John Foxx
John Foxx is an English singer, artist, photographer and teacher. He was the original lead singer of the band Ultravox before being replaced by Midge Ure, when he left to embark on a solo career in 1979...
, Gary Numan
Gary Numan
Gary Numan is an English singer, composer, and musician, most widely known for his chart-topping 1979 hits "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and "Cars". His signature sound consisted of heavy synthesizer hooks fed through guitar effects pedals.Numan is considered a pioneer of commercial electronic music...
, Mirrors and Motor
Motor
Motor is a device that creates motion. It usually refers to an engine of some kind. It may also specifically refer to:*Electric motor, a machine that converts electricity into a mechanical motion...
– plus a DJ set by Mute Records
Mute Records
Mute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
founder Daniel Miller.
The duo of Foxx and Benge continued to work in the studio after the release of Interplay.
A cover version of the Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
track "Have a Cigar
Have a Cigar
"Have a Cigar" is the third track on Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here. It follows "Welcome to the Machine" and on the original LP opened side two...
" was recorded for a tribute CD issued by Mojo
Mojo (magazine)
MOJO is a popular music magazine published initially by Emap, and since January 2008 by Bauer, monthly in the United Kingdom. Following the success of the magazine Q, publishers Emap were looking for a title which would cater for the burgeoning interest in classic rock music...
magazine with their October 2011 issue. It was announced shortly afterwards that the version on the CD was not the completed version and a free download of the finished version was offered via the Mojo website
Interplay Tour
A nine date UK tour by John Foxx And The Maths was announced in July 2011, plus live performances in Poland and Belgium. The setlist comprised mostly tracks from InterplayInterplay (album)
Interplay is a double album credited to jazz musician John Coltrane, released in 1965 on Prestige Records, catalogue 7342. It is a reissue of two previous titles both released in 1957, Prestige 7111 Mal 2 by Mal Waldron, and Prestige 7112 Interplay for Two Trumpets and Two Tenors by the Prestige...
as well as tracks from Foxx's career with Ultravox
Ultravox
Ultravox is a British New Wave rock band. They were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the late 1970s/early 1980s. The band was particularly associated with the New Romantic and New Wave movements....
and from his seminal electronic music album Metamatic
Metamatic
Metamatic is an album by John Foxx, released in 1980. It was his first solo album following his split with Ultravox the previous year. A departure from the textured mix of synthesizers and conventional instruments on Systems of Romance, his last album with the band, Metamatics hard-edged...
.
The group was augmented by Serafina Steer
Serafina Steer
Serafina Steer is an English harpist, pianist, singer and songwriter.- Career :In 2007 Serafina released a 7" single and an album entitled Cheap Demo Bad Science on Static Caravan records. Some were recorded and produced in collaboration with Mike Lindsay of folktronica band Tunng, some tracks...
on keyboards and bass and Hannah Peel on keyboards and violin.
On 28 October 2011 it was announced that the final UK date in Holmfirth
Holmfirth
Holmfirth is a small town located on the A6024 Woodhead Road in the Holme Valley, within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England. Centred upon the confluence of the Holme and Ribble rivers, Holmfirth is south of Huddersfield and from Glossop. It mostly consists of...
and the performance at the Sinners Day Festival in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
had to be cancelled as Foxx had suffered a fall and minor accident.
The Shape of Things
A second album The Shape of ThingsThe Shape of Things (album)
The Shape of Things is Pere Ubu's fourth live album. It documents a performance within the band's first few months of existence, from the brief period in which Peter Laughner was a member...
was also announced prior to the tour and was initially only on available for purchase at tour venues.
The Shape of Things was issued as limited edition special package, and described as being "a lot rougher around the edges and more experimental than “Interplay” – with songs and stark, minimal sketches..mixed in with some instrumental interludes". The release was preceded by a preview of the track Talk on [YouTube] in September 2011.
The album also comprises a second disc of remixes of selected Interplay
Interplay
Interplay may refer to:* Interplay , a 1957 album by jazz musician John Coltrane* Interplay , Jerome Robbins, 1945* Interplay , a 1962 album by jazz musician Bill Evans...
tracks, and a brand new track Where You End And I Begin featuring American producer/ musician/ remixer and score composer Tara Busch who had been photographed and filmed working in Benge's studio, and who supported The Maths on some of their live shows. The track was previewed on Soundcloud
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform which allows collaboration, promotion and distribution of audio recordings.-History:SoundCloud was originally started in Stockholm, Sweden, but was established in Berlin, Germany in August, 2007 by sound designer Alex Ljung and artist Eric Wahlforss...
before the official release.
When released via Townsend Records on 31 October 2011 the album was described as "Though not overtly auto-biographical, there is a sense of looking back over a life and exploring feelings of loss over opportunities and lovers missed, and possible futures that will remain unlived."
Albums
Interplay (March 2011)1. Shatterproof
2. Catwalk
3. Evergreen
4. Watching A Building On Fire (feat. Mira Aroyo from Ladytron
Ladytron
Ladytron are an English electronic band formed in 1999 in Liverpool, Merseyside. The group consists of Helen Marnie , Mira Aroyo , Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu .Their sound blends electropop with New Wave and shoegazing elements. Ladytron described their sound as "electronic pop"...
)
5. Interplay
6. Summerland
7. The Running Man
8. A Falling Star
9. Destination
10. The Good Shadow
Label : Metamatic Records
Catalogue Number : META28CD
Tour Edition, as above plus:
11. September Town - Final Master
12. Vapour Trails - Final Master
The Shape Of Things (October 2011)
Disc One
1. Spirus
2. Rear-View Mirror
3. Talk
4. Psytron
5. September Town
6. Unrecognised
7. Modreno
8. Falling Away
9. Invisible Ray
10. Vapour Trails
11. Buddwing
12. Tides
13. Astoria
14. The Shadow Of His Former Self
Disc Two
1. Evergreen (Radio Mix)
2. Shatterproof (Wrangler Mix)
3. Where You End And I Begin (featuring Tara Busch)
4. Summerland (Belbury Poly Mix)
5. The Good Shadow (Tim ‘Love’ Lee Mix)
6. Watching A Building On Fire (Grayed Out Mix)
7. Interplay (Grayed Out Mix)
8. Evergreen (Xeno & Oaklander Mix)
Label : Metamatic Records
Catalogue Number : META29CD
Singles
Destination / September Town (December 2009) - digital download onlyEvergreen (radio edit) (September 2011) - digital download only
A Falling Star - Gazelle Twin remix (October 2011)
- limited edition single track CD, signed by John Foxx included in tour VIP package
Other tracks
Have a CigarHave a Cigar
"Have a Cigar" is the third track on Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here. It follows "Welcome to the Machine" and on the original LP opened side two...
- Pink Floyd cover version for Mojo
Mojo (magazine)
MOJO is a popular music magazine published initially by Emap, and since January 2008 by Bauer, monthly in the United Kingdom. Following the success of the magazine Q, publishers Emap were looking for a title which would cater for the burgeoning interest in classic rock music...
magazine, October 2011
External links
- Metamatic, the official John Foxx site
- John Foxx And The Maths official site
- The Quiet Man, John Foxx official blog
- It's Full of Stars, Benge's blog.
- Quiet City, the music of John Foxx